Politics

Ballot Rejections Soared in Rural Counties After USPS Reduced Mail Service

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 28/10/2026, 20:24:26 UTC.

Briefings

ProPublica analysis reveals that U.S. Postal Service cost-cutting measures in rural areas have caused a spike in rejected mail-in ballots, particularly in eastern Washington counties. In early August, election workers in Spokane received over 500 late ballots, a sharp increase from the few expected. Data shows rejection rates in affected counties doubled or tripled compared to 2022, while urban Spokane saw fewer rejections. The delays stem from reduced pickup frequency and consolidation of processing, which pushed back postmarking. ProPublica notes that while the Postal Service claims these delays are manageable, election officials warn that mistakes are likely and that the guidance for the upcoming general election may not prevent future rejections.

Key points

• In early August, election workers in Spokane, Washington, received over 500 late mail-in ballots, a sharp increase from the few expected in early August.
• Rejection rates for late ballots in eastern Washington counties doubled or tripled compared to 2022, while urban Spokane saw fewer rejections despite the regional trend.

Context

ProPublica analyzed data from five states (Washington, California, Ohio, North Carolina, Oregon) showing that delays from USPS cost-cutting endangered ballot validity in rural areas. The analysis compares current rejection rates to 2022 figures, noting that while urban Spokane saw fewer rejections, the regional trend in eastern Washington counties was a significant spike.

Limitations

Data coverage is limited to five states with detailed mail-in ballot data; North Carolina and Washington tracked absentee ballots only, while California and Ohio tracked all methods. The analysis relies on ProPublica's data analysis and election official statements, with uncertainty regarding the full extent of delays across all rural counties and the effectiveness of the upcoming general election guidance.

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